Situations and Suggestions for the National Policy Regarding Water Resources Management

Abstract

Thailand has faced with water resources problems, including drought and flood, for a long time; the problems are caused either by more severe natural phenomena, mismanagement, and ill decisions rendered by policy makers and executives. The objective of this study was then to analyze the problems and propose appropriate directions for area-based water resources management to mitigate future water-related disasters. The study was conducted via document reviews, visit to selected organizations, expert interviews
and seminars. Based on the statistics of the previous droughts and floods in Thailand, and the present situation of water problems, appropriate policies are developed for water resources management to prevent or mitigate drought and flood. The proposed plans include determining the direction for the development of a unified national water resources management program, promoting efficient water use, both from the quantitative and qualitative points of view and appropriately coordinating water resources management facilities under all circumstances. In order to achieve an efficient integrated management program, it is necessary to set up a national water data archive and to speed up the development of water data integration, develop major organizational structures by setting up a core organization and networks of water-related organizations, and continuously support researches and learning to accommodate adaptation to changes in natural, economic, and social developments in the context of disasters.